2.4 compare the structures of plant and animal cells

(NOTE: Plant cells also contain chloroplasts, a vacuole and a cell wall)

2.3 describe the functions of the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast and vacuole

Nucleus - contains genetic material which controls the activities of the cell

Cytoplasm - most chemical processes take place here, controlled by enzymes

Cell membrane - controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell

Cell wall (only plants) - strengthens the cell

Chloroplasts (only plants) - contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorb light energy for photosynthesis

vacuole (only plants) - this is filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid (not floppy, basically)

2.2 describe cell structures, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast and vacuole

Animal cell
- nucleus in the centre
- surrounded by cytoplasm
- around the outside edge is the cells membrane (animal cells do not have cell walls)


Plant cell
- vacuole in the centre
- surrounded by cytoplasm - within this is the nucleus and chloroplasts
- surrounding this is the cell membrane
- around the cell membrane is the cell wall

(NOTE: plant cells have 3 extra things that animal cells do not... a vacuole, chloroplasts, a cell wall)